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Senior Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Z&A Management

Senior Animal Keeper

Folsom, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for the overall health, wellness, and environmental ... Oversee daily animal care, monitoring health, behavior, and wellness. * Manage nutrition programs ...

City of Stockton, CA

ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER

Stockton, CA · On-site

$60.16K - $77.34K/yr

This class is further distinguished from Senior Animal Services Officer in that the latter provides ... Additional course work or training in animal control, animal behavior, public relations, and/or law ...

Actalent

R&D Animal Behavior Technician

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

We are currently networking for Animal Care Technicians, Animal Behavioral Specialists, Operations Specialists, Sr. Animal Scientists, and numerous entry level science roles. This is one example of a ...

Williamson County

Animal Health Specialist

Georgetown, TX

$38.37K - $40.31K/yr

JOB SUMMARY Reporting directly to the Senior Animal Health Technicians, responsible for assisting ... behavioral cues, and promptly reports any safety incidents to leadership Unpackages and properly ...

coctx

Senior Animal Services Officer

Carrollton, TX · On-site

JOB TITLE: Senior Animal Services Officer DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Environmental Services/Animal ... Knowledge of animal behavior. * Knowledge of wildlife habitat management principles and practices.

City of McKinney

Animal Services Officer

Mckinney, TX

$42.07K - $61K/yr

If Hired as Animal Service Officer #9540 $42,068.15 - $61,000.24/Annually If Hired as Senior Animal ... KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS Ability to embrace and embody the City's core values of ...

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Senior Animal Behavior information

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$80.3K

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How much do senior animal behavior jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior animal behavior in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Animal Behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Animal Behaviorist, you need advanced knowledge of animal behavior science, a relevant degree (such as in animal behavior, zoology, or psychology), and substantial hands-on experience with animal assessment and training. Familiarity with behavioral assessment tools, data analysis software, and certifications like CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) or ACAAB are often required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with both animals and humans set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are vital for accurately diagnosing behavioral issues, developing effective intervention plans, and ensuring the well-being of animals in various settings.

What are some common challenges Senior Animal Behaviorists face when working with animals in shelters or rescue environments?

Senior Animal Behaviorists in shelters often encounter animals with complex behavioral issues stemming from stress, trauma, or lack of socialization. Addressing these challenges requires patience, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with veterinary staff and caretakers to develop individualized behavior modification plans. Additionally, balancing the needs of multiple animals and limited resources can be demanding, but it offers valuable experience in prioritizing care and advocating for animal welfare. Effective communication with adopters and staff is also crucial to ensure successful long-term outcomes for the animals.

What does a Senior Animal Behaviorist do?

A Senior Animal Behaviorist studies animal behavior to understand how animals interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. They may work in research, zoos, animal shelters, or as consultants, developing programs to modify problematic behaviors or improve animal welfare. In a senior role, they often lead teams, design experiments, and provide expert advice on animal training and enrichment. Their work helps improve animal care and supports conservation efforts. Senior Animal Behaviorists typically have advanced degrees and extensive experience in animal behavior science.

What is the difference between Senior Animal Behavior vs Animal Behaviorist?

AspectSenior Animal BehaviorAnimal Behaviorist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), certifications in animal behaviorTypically a degree in animal science, psychology, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, animal shelters, zoos, private consultingAnimal shelters, zoos, research facilities, private practice
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, specialized consulting firmsAnimal care facilities, zoos, private clients
Common Search & ComparisonSenior Animal Behavior vs Animal Behaviorist

Senior Animal Behavior professionals often have advanced education and oversee complex projects, while Animal Behaviorists focus on applying behavioral science to improve animal welfare and training. Both roles require a strong understanding of animal behavior, but Senior Animal Behavior roles typically involve leadership and research responsibilities, whereas Animal Behaviorists are more client-facing and hands-on.

What cities are hiring for Senior Animal Behavior jobs? Cities with the most Senior Animal Behavior job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Animal Behavior jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Animal Behavior jobs include:
Senior Animal Behavior jobs near you

Senior Animal Keeper

Z&A Management

Folsom, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About the Job:
Location: NorCal Aquarium and Wildlife Adventures
Department: Husbandry
Job Summary:
The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for the overall health, wellness, and environmental management of the facility’s terrestrial and aquatic animal collections. This role combines expertise in animal husbandry, nutrition, preventative medical care, environmental quality, and life support systems management. The Senior Animal Keeper supervises a team of animal care staff, collaborates with curators, veterinarians, and national husbandry teams, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, including USDA, and local animal welfare requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
Animal Health & Wellness:
  • Oversee daily animal care, monitoring health, behavior, and wellness.
  • Manage nutrition programs for all species, ensuring diets are appropriate, balanced, and aligned with medical and reproductive needs.
  • Administer medications, supplements, and vaccinations per veterinary guidance and facility SOPs.
  • Assist veterinarians during medical procedures, exams, and treatments.
  • Coordinate quarantine and medical care for new, sick, or injured animals.
  • Maintain accurate records of health, diet, and behavior; prepare wellness reports for management.
Environmental Quality & Life Support Systems:
  • Monitor and maintain environmental parameters, including water quality (pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen), temperature, humidity, air quality, and substrate conditions.
  • Oversee and perform maintenance of life support systems, filtration, plumbing, mechanical equipment, and HVAC systems for both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
  • Troubleshoot environmental and LSS issues, implementing corrective actions in collaboration with curators, lead keepers, and facilities staff.
  • Audit adherence to SOPs and regulatory standards for animal habitats and life support systems.
Team Leadership & Training:
  • Supervise, train, and mentor a team of animal keepers, assigning daily tasks and monitoring performance.
  • Foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous learning.
  • Provide guidance on proper animal handling, husbandry techniques, environmental monitoring, and enrichment programs.
Enrichment & Behavioral Care:
  • Collaborate with curators and behavior staff to develop and implement enrichment programs that promote physical and mental well-being.
  • Ensure enrichment aligns with dietary, medical, and regulatory requirements.
Compliance & Reporting:
  • Ensure all animal care and habitat management practices comply with USDA and local regulations.
  • Maintain thorough documentation for inspections, audits, and internal reporting.
  • Participate in weekly wellness and operational meetings to discuss animal health, environmental metrics, and operational improvements.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or related field (required).
  • Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in animal care, including terrestrial and aquatic husbandry.
  • Proven leadership experience, including team supervision and staff training.
  • Demonstrated experience with USDA regulations and other applicable animal welfare standards (required).
  • Expertise in life support systems, water quality, and habitat management.
  • Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certification in water quality, life support system management, or environmental monitoring.
  • SCUBA certification.
  • Experience in exhibit design, conservation biology, or sustainable practices within zoological settings.
Working Conditions:
  • Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and handling animals and equipment.
  • Work occurs indoor, including aquatic habitats.
  • Availability for weekends, holidays, and after-hours emergencies is required.